From Data to Defense: A Complete Viva-Voce Preparation Guide for Research Scholar

M.Sc. / Ph.D. Defense Preparation

From Data to Defense: A Complete Viva-Voce Preparation Guide for Research Scholars

A universal, step-by-step guide to mastering your thesis defense — from anticipating questions and creating presentation slides to handling critiques, perfecting body language, and navigating post-viva steps for M.Sc. and Ph.D. students across all disciplines.

Anticipate 90% of Questions

10-Minute Presentation Formula

Handle Criticism Professionally

Body Language & Attire Guide

Post-Viva Steps

Roadmap

Your Viva-Voce Preparation Journey

This guide follows the natural preparation timeline — from the moment you submit your thesis to the post-viva formalities. Each phase builds your confidence systematically.

Phase 1

Immediate Preparation (2-4 Weeks Before)

Deep thesis review, question anticipation, mock vivas.

Phase 2

The 10-Minute Presentation

Slide structure, delivery techniques, time management.

Phase 3

Anticipating & Answering Questions

The 5 question categories every examiner asks.

Phase 4

Handling Critiques & Difficult Questions

Professional responses to criticism and gaps.

Phase 5

Logistics & Professional Conduct

Attire, body language, what to bring, committee etiquette.

Phase 6

The Day After & Beyond

Corrections, publication, and leveraging your defense.

Phase 1

Immediate Preparation (2-4 Weeks Before Your Viva)

The period between thesis submission and viva is golden preparation time. Use it systematically, not just for casual reading but for strategic mastery of your work.

1

Re-read Your Thesis as a Critic

Read your entire thesis in one sitting, marking every assumption, limitation, and potential weakness. Use different colored highlighters for: methodological choices, statistical analyses, literature gaps, and conclusion leaps.

2

Create Your "Anticipated Questions" Document

For each chapter, write down 5-10 probable questions. Focus on: "Why did you choose this method?" "How does this finding contradict X's study?" "What is the theoretical contribution?"

3

Conduct Mock Vivas

Arrange at least 3 mock vivas with different audiences: your supervisor, a peer from your department, and someone outside your field. Each will spot different issues.

4

Update Your Literature Review

Check for any major publications in your field in the last 3-6 months. Be prepared to comment on how they relate to your work.

The Viva Mindset Shift

From Writer to Expert: During your viva, you're no longer a student writing a thesis. You are the world's leading expert on this specific piece of research for these 2-3 hours.

Avoid This Mindset:
• "I hope they don't ask about Chapter 3"
• "I'll just agree with whatever they say"
• "This is just a formality"

Adopt This Mindset:
• "I'm prepared to discuss every page"
• "I can defend my choices with evidence"
• "This is my opportunity to showcase expertise"

Pro Tip: Create a one-page "cheat sheet" with: your research questions, key findings, methodological strengths/limitations, and theoretical/practical contributions. Review it daily for the week before your viva.

Phase 2

The 10-Minute Opening Presentation: Your First Impression

In many viva formats, you'll start with a brief presentation. This is not a summary of your thesis — it's a strategic highlight reel designed to frame the discussion in your favor.

The Universal 10-Slide Formula (10 minutes = ~1 minute/slide)

Slide 1: Title & Your Name

• Thesis title (clear, not crowded)
• Your name and degree
• Supervisor's name
• University logo/department
• Date of viva

Keep it clean and professional. This slide stays up as people settle.

Slide 2: The Research Problem & Gap

• What real-world or theoretical problem does this address?
• What did we NOT know before your research?
• Why does this gap matter?
• One clear sentence: "This study aimed to..."

Frame this as a puzzle needing solving, not just "literature said X."

Slide 3: Research Questions/Objectives

• 3-5 bullet points maximum
• Clear, actionable objectives
• Logical flow from general to specific
• Visually distinct from other text

Slide 4: Conceptual/Theoretical Framework

• One clean diagram (not a screenshot from thesis)
• Simplified for quick comprehension
• Arrows showing relationships
• Key variables/concepts highlighted

If no formal framework, show "Guiding Principles" or "Analytical Approach."

Slide 5: Methodology at a Glance

• Research design (experimental, qualitative, mixed)
• Sample/participants (with numbers)
• Data collection methods
• Analytical techniques
• Why this methodology was appropriate

Slides 6 & 7: Key Findings (2 slides maximum)

• Slide 6: Most important quantitative/objective finding (one clear graph/table)
• Slide 7: Most important qualitative/interpretive finding (key quote or theme)
• Do not: Present all findings or complex tables
• Do: Show the "headline" result that answers your main research question

Slide 8: Main Contribution

• Theoretical contribution (to knowledge in your field)
• Methodological contribution (new approach/application)
• Practical/policy implications
• "This research demonstrates that..."

Slide 9: Limitations & Future Research

• 2-3 main limitations (show awareness)
• How these limitations affect interpretation
• 2-3 specific future research directions
• Turns limitations into opportunities

Slide 10: Thank You & Questions

• Simple "Thank You"
• Your contact information (optional)
• Clean, uncluttered
• University logo

Presentation Delivery Tips

✅ Do These:

• Practice with timer: Aim for 8-9 minutes to allow for pauses
• Make eye contact: Look at each committee member, not the screen
• Stand confidently: Feet shoulder-width, open posture
• Use a clicker: Don't be tied to the laptop
• Pause before key points: Creates emphasis
• Have backup: PDF on USB, printed slides, cloud access

❌ Avoid These:

• Reading slides verbatim: They can read faster than you can speak
• Apologizing: "Sorry this slide is busy..." (then fix it!)
• Technical jargon overload: Explain one complex term per slide max
• Rushing: Nervous speed undermines confidence
• Fidgeting: Clicker clicking, pocket jingling, hair twirling
• Death by bullet point: 6×6 rule: max 6 bullets, 6 words each

Phase 3

Anticipating & Answering Questions: The 5 Categories

Examiners' questions generally fall into predictable categories. Prepare answers for each category, and you'll be ready for 90% of what they ask.

Category 1: Foundational Questions

"Why this research?" "So what?"

What is the original contribution of your work?

Connect to literature gap + your unique findings

Why should anyone care about this research?

Practical implications + theoretical significance

If you had to summarize your thesis in one sentence?

Have this prepared: "[Method] shows that [finding] which means [implication]"

Category 2: Methodological Questions

"Why this approach?" "How do you know?"

Why did you choose method X instead of Y?

Show awareness of alternatives + justification for your choice

How do you address potential bias in [specific part]?

Acknowledge possibility + steps taken to minimize

What are the limitations of your methodology?

Show critical awareness without undermining your work

Category 3: Analytical Questions

"How did you analyze?" "Are you sure?"

Why did you use statistical test X?

Show understanding of assumptions and appropriateness

How do you interpret finding [specific result]?

Go beyond "the numbers say" to "this means because..."

Have you considered alternative explanations?

Demonstrate intellectual flexibility and depth

Category 4: Literature & Context Questions

"How does this fit?" "What about study X?"

How does your work relate to [key theory/theorist]?

Show both alignment and departure from existing work

Your finding contradicts study X. Why?

Contextual differences, methodological variations, or evolving understanding

What recent work has been published since you wrote?

Mention 1-2 key recent papers and comment briefly

Category 5: Future & Reflective Questions

"What next?" "What would you change?"

If you were starting today, what would you do differently?

Show learning without regretting entire approach

What are the most promising directions from here?

Specific, actionable next steps (not vague "more research")

How has this research changed you as a scholar?

Personal growth + methodological/epistemological development

The "Answer Formula" for Any Question

1. Pause (2-3 seconds): Shows thoughtfulness
2. Repeat/rephrase: "That's an important question about..."
3. Structure your answer: "There are three aspects to this..."
4. Return to your thesis: "As I discuss on page 87..."
5. Check understanding: "Does that address your question?"

Pro Tip: When you don't know, say: "That's beyond the scope of my study, but based on my findings, I would speculate that..." or "I haven't considered that angle; based on what I found, my initial thought would be..."

Phase 4

Handling Critiques & Difficult Questions

The viva is an examination, not an inquisition. Examiners critique to test your understanding and improve the work. How you handle criticism often matters more than the criticism itself.

Types of Criticism & Professional Responses

🎯 When They're Right & You Missed Something

Response Strategy: Acknowledge + Appreciate + Incorporate

• "You're absolutely right, I should have considered that. Thank you for pointing it out."
• "That's a valuable insight. I can see how including [their point] would strengthen the argument on page XX."
• "I agree that's a limitation. In the revised version, I will add a discussion of this in the limitations section."
• Never: "But I did consider it!" (if you did, show them where)

🤔 When They Misunderstand Your Work

Response Strategy: Clarify + Redirect + Evidence

• "I understand why you might think that. Let me clarify what I intended..."
• "Actually, on page 45, I explain that..." (physically open your thesis)
• "The way I've framed it might have caused confusion. What I meant was..."
• Never: "No, that's wrong" or "You didn't read it properly"

⚖️ When They Have a Different Theoretical Perspective

Response Strategy: Acknowledge Difference + Defend Choice + Find Common Ground

• "That's an interesting perspective from the [their framework] viewpoint. I approached it from [your framework] because..."
• "I see how applying [their theory] would lead to different interpretations. My choice of [your theory] allowed me to..."
• "You're right that [their approach] has merits. In future work, I'd be interested to apply it to see what different insights emerge."

❓ When You Genuinely Don't Know

Response Strategy: Be Honest + Speculate Based on Evidence + Offer to Follow Up

• "I don't have a definitive answer to that, but based on my findings, I would speculate that..."
• "That's outside the scope of my study, but it's an important question for future research."
• "I haven't considered that angle. Given what I found about X, my initial thought would be Y."
• "That's a great question I don't have an answer for right now. May I think about it and include a discussion in the corrections?"
• Never: Make up an answer or bluff

The "Critique Response" Formula

1

Listen Completely

Don't interrupt or formulate your response while they're speaking. Nod to show you're listening. Take notes if it helps.

2

Pause (3-5 seconds)

This shows thoughtfulness, not panic. Breathe. The silence feels longer to you than to them.

3

Acknowledge the Point

"Thank you, that's an important observation about..." or "I appreciate you raising that issue..."

4

Respond Appropriately

Use one of the strategies above. Keep it concise. Reference your thesis if relevant.

5

Check Resolution

"Does that address your concern?" or "Would you like me to elaborate on any part?"

Red Flags in Responses:
• Defensiveness ("But I explained that!")
• Arguing with examiner ("That's not true!")
• Over-apologizing ("I'm so sorry, I'm terrible at this")
• Dismissiveness ("That's just a minor point")
• Blaming others ("My supervisor said to do it that way")

Phase 5

Logistics & Professional Conduct: The Unwritten Rules

What to Wear

Universal Standard: Business formal or smart business casual.

• Men: Suit or blazer with trousers, collared shirt, tie optional but recommended, polished shoes
• Women: Suit (trousers or skirt), conservative dress, blouse with blazer, closed-toe shoes
• Colors: Navy, gray, black, white, cream. Avoid loud patterns or bright colors.
• Cultural attire: If wearing traditional dress, ensure it's formal version

Test your outfit: Sit in it for 30 minutes. Can you reach for your thesis comfortably? Do shoes pinch? Is blazer too tight when sitting?

What to Bring

• Two copies of your thesis: One for you, one as backup
• Printed slides: 6 per page with notes space
• Notebook and 2 pens: For taking notes during discussion
• Water bottle: Small, quiet to open
• Breath mints: Not gum
• Backup presentation: On USB, cloud, and email to yourself
• Printed questions/answers: Your prepared Q&A if it helps you
• Tissues: Just in case

Body Language That Communicates Confidence

✅ Do These:

• Hands: Rest on table or in lap, "steeple" when making points
• Posture: Sit back in chair, shoulders back, spine straight
• Eye contact: Look at questioner, then include others
• Nodding: Shows you're listening and understanding
• Smiling: Appropriate, natural smiles (not fixed grin)
• Voice: Moderate pace, clear articulation, varied tone

❌ Avoid These:

• Closed posture: Crossed arms, legs wrapped around chair
• Fidgeting: Pen clicking, hair twirling, jewelry playing
• Eye darting: Looking at ceiling/floor when thinking
• Touching face: Rubbing nose, covering mouth
• Slouching: Leaning on table excessively
• Defensive gestures: Pointing, palms down slapping table

🔄 Practice This:

• Video yourself answering questions
• Practice with a mirror
• Record audio to check voice tone
• Ask friends about distracting habits
• Breathe deeply before speaking (belly breaths)
• Pause before answering (it's thinking, not hesitation)

Committee Etiquette & Protocol

• Arrive early: 30 minutes minimum to set up, breathe, acclimate
• Greet everyone: Handshake (unless cultural preference differs), smile, make eye contact
• Names & titles: "Professor X," "Dr. Y" unless instructed otherwise
• Thank the chair: Acknowledge them when they open/close discussion
• Phone: Off, not just silent
• Food/drink: Only water unless offered something
• When unsure: "Would you like me to elaborate?" or "Should I address that now?"
• At the end: Thank the committee for their time and insights

Phase 6

The Day After & Beyond: Next Steps After Your Defense

1

Immediate Aftermath (First 24 hours)

• Celebrate modestly: You've earned it, but save big celebration for final submission
• Take notes: Write down all corrections while fresh in memory
• Email supervisor: Brief thank you and confirmation of next steps
• Rest: The mental exhaustion is real—allow recovery time
• Avoid over-analysis: Don't replay every exchange obsessively

2

Corrections & Revisions (Week 1-2)

• Create corrections document: Table with page number, current text, corrected text, examiner comment
• Prioritize: Major conceptual changes first, then typos/formatting
• Set deadlines: "Complete major revisions by X, minor by Y"
• Check requirements: Some universities require examiner approval of corrections
• Track changes: Use Word's Track Changes or similar for transparency

3

Publication Strategy (Month 1-3)

• Identify publishable chunks: Which chapters/sections make stand-alone papers?
• Journal selection: Target 2-3 appropriate journals for each paper
• Adapt, don't copy: Thesis chapter → journal article requires significant rewriting
• Co-authorship: Discuss with supervisor early about authorship order
• Conference presentations: Use your viva presentation as base for conference talks

4

Leveraging Your Achievement (Ongoing)

• Update CV/resume: "Successfully defended PhD/MSc thesis on [date]"
• LinkedIn/profile: Add degree (or "Degree expected [date]" if not conferred)
• Research profiles: ORCID, Google Scholar, ResearchGate updates
• Networking: Connect with external examiner if appropriate
• Thank you notes: Brief, professional thank you to committee members

Common Viva Outcomes & What They Mean

Outcome	What It Means	Next Steps
Pass with Minor Corrections	Most common outcome. Thesis accepted with small revisions (typos, clarification, formatting).	Complete corrections within timeframe (usually 1-3 months). Supervisor often checks.
Pass with Major Corrections	Thesis accepted but requires substantial revisions (rewriting sections, additional analysis).	Significant work needed. May require resubmission to examiners. Timeline extended.
Referral/Revisions Required	Thesis not yet acceptable. Requires major changes and re-examination.	Major rewrite. New viva may be required. Work closely with supervisor.
Pass with Distinction	Exceptional work. May lead to nomination for awards.	Celebrate! Consider publishing strategy. Update CV with distinction.

Remember: The viva is a rite of passage, not just an examination. Every scholar before you has gone through this anxiety. You know your work better than anyone. You've prepared systematically. You're ready to engage in scholarly conversation about your contribution to knowledge. Walk in with the confidence of someone who has spent years becoming an expert on this specific topic.

Final Checklist

48-Hour Countdown Checklist

48 Hours Before

• ✅ Final presentation practice (with timer)
• ✅ Review "anticipated questions" document
• ✅ Confirm venue, time, committee members
• ✅ Test all technology (laptop, clicker, adapters)
• ✅ Prepare what to wear (clean, pressed, comfortable)
• ✅ Pack "viva bag" with all essentials

24 Hours Before

• ✅ Light review only (no cramming)
• ✅ Get good sleep (prioritize this)
• ✅ Healthy meals, stay hydrated
• ✅ Brief walk/light exercise
• ✅ Visualize success positively
• ✅ Set multiple alarms for tomorrow

You Are Ready

You've done the work. You've prepared systematically. Now trust your preparation.

Go in there and show them what you've discovered.

Complete Guide to Thesis Formatting (PAU Ludhiana)

PAU · M.Sc. / Ph.D. Thesis Formatting

Complete Guide to Thesis Formatting (PAU Ludhiana): Margins, Fonts, Paper Size & Writing Rules

A step–by–step, PAU–aligned guide for M.Sc. and Ph.D. students — from setting margins and fonts to structuring chapters, handling “unwritten rules” of thesis writing, and completing submission, CDs, soft copy and open viva-voce requirements.

Times New Roman · 11 pt · 1.5 spacing

Separate Results & Discussion (2023 onward)

CDs & Soft Copy Rules

Open Viva-Voce

Roadmap

How to use this guide

The sections follow your thesis journey in chronological order — from planning and formatting, to writing each chapter, to final submission and viva-voce.

Part A

Before you start writing

Advisory committee, synopsis, research focus.

Part B

Core formatting rules

Margins, fonts, spacing, page layout.

Part C

Chapter-wise structure

From Introduction to Summary & References.

Part D

Unwritten rules & technical writing

Tiny details that examiners notice.

Part E

Ready-to-use templates

Title page, certificates, contents, vita.

Part F

Submission, CDs, soft copy & open viva

Final steps as per latest PAU circulars.

Part A

Before You Start: Advisory Committee, Synopsis & Planning

For M.Sc. and Ph.D. students at PAU, proper thesis formatting begins long before you open a Word file. The advisory committee, synopsis approval and research plan form the academic backbone of your thesis.

1. Advisory Committee & Major Advisor

• Each postgraduate student is assigned a major advisor within about two months of admission.
• An Advisory Committee is constituted and approved by the Dean, PGS.
• For Master’s: generally 3 members (2 from major subject including advisor, 1 from minor subject).
• For Ph.D.: at least 5 members (major advisor, one more from major field, at least two from outside the major, plus Dean PGS nominee).

Stay in touch with your advisor about both content and formatting. Many “unwritten rules” are department-specific and your advisor knows what examiners expect.

2. Synopsis and research problem

• The synopsis should normally be approved and submitted to Dean PGS by about the middle of 2nd semester.
• Topic should match departmental research priorities and your advisor’s area of specialization.
• Make sure the working title and final thesis title are consistent in wording and spelling.

Once your research design is final, freeze your formatting settings (margins, font, spacing, page size) in the thesis file. Changing them chapter-by-chapter increases the risk of page-number and layout errors.

Part B

Core Formatting Rules: Paper Size, Margins, Fonts & Spacing

3. Paper size & margins (PAU standard)

• Paper size: A4 white bond.
• Left margin: 1.5 inch (for binding).
• Right margin: 1 inch.
• Top margin: 1 inch.
• Bottom margin: 1 inch.
• Printing: Allowed and recommended on both sides of the page (double-sided).

In MS Word: Layout → Margins → Custom Margins — set once and save as a template for the whole thesis.

4. Font, size & line spacing

• Font family: Times New Roman.
• Main text: 11 pt, 1.5 line spacing, justified alignment.
• Abstract, tables, long quotations, footnotes: Single spacing.
• Chapter titles: 14 pt, bold, ALL CAPS, centred.
• First-level headings: 12 pt, bold, Title Case.
• Second-level headings: 12 pt, bold/italics, sentence case.

5. Page layout & page numbers

• Preliminary pages (title, certificates, acknowledgements, abstract) are part of the thesis but page numbers are usually not printed on them.
• Roman numerals can be used internally for preliminary pages; Arabic numerals start from Chapter 1 and continue till the end.
• First page of each chapter: page counted but number often suppressed (not printed) at the bottom.
• Do not use 15a, 15b, 15c etc. If pages change, adjust complete pagination.

Part C

Chapter-wise Structure for M.Sc. & Ph.D. Theses (PAU)

While details vary slightly by department, most PAU theses follow a similar order. For Ph.D. work the chapters are deeper and often include richer theoretical and methodological discussion.

6. Standard sequence of contents

1. Title Page
2. Certificate I
3. Certificate II
4. Acknowledgements
5. Abstract (English, then Punjabi)
6. Table of Contents
7. List of Tables
8. List of Figures (if any)
9. Chapter I – Introduction
10. Chapter II – Review of Literature
11. Chapter III – Materials and Methods
12. Chapter IV – Results
13. Chapter V – Discussion
14. Summary / Conclusions
15. References
16. Appendix / Appendices (if required)
17. Vita

As per recent PAU practice, Results and Discussion are separate chapters in new M.Sc. and Ph.D. theses (not a combined chapter).

As per new PAU practice, Theoretical Orientation / Conceptual Framework is not a separate chapter. If required, it is included under the Review of Literature as a subsection.

7. Chapter-wise purpose (short overview)

• Introduction: Background, research gap, rationale, objectives and sometimes hypotheses.
• Review of Literature: Thematic synthesis of previous work, ending each section and the chapter with a short conclusion that leads toward your study. Also includes theoretical orientation/conceptual framework if required by your department. PAU has removed this as a separate chapter. It is now integrated within the review chapter wherever appropriate.
• Materials and Methods: Locale, population, sampling, tools, scales, data collection and analysis procedures.
• Results: What you found — tables, figures and text explanations.
• Discussion: Why the results look like this — interpretation, comparison with previous studies, implications.
• Summary / Conclusions: Condensed statements of major findings, conclusions and sometimes recommendations.

Part D

Unwritten Rules & Technical Writing Norms

Beyond official PAU guidelines, examiners look for certain “silent” rules which appear consistently across approved M.Sc. and Ph.D. theses. These rules give your thesis a mature, professional and PAU-like look.

📘 Review of Literature & Flow – mini conclusions & structure

How your Review of Literature should “flow” like PAU theses:

• Theme-wise organisation: Group studies under themes (e.g. socio-personal characteristics, knowledge, adoption, constraints) instead of random chronological listing.
• Concluding paragraph after each section: At the end of every major theme, add 1–2 paragraphs that summarise the key findings, highlight gaps and connect to your next theme.
• Concluding paragraph at end of chapter: The last paragraph should clearly state what is known, what is missing and how this justifies your present study.
• Avoid “telephone directory” style: Do not write “X reported..., Y reported..., Z reported...” in long chains. Compare and contrast studies: “Most studies reported..., however a few found...”
• Tense choice: Use past tense for specific studies (e.g. “Sharma (2018) reported...”), present tense for established facts (“Kitchen gardening provides...”).

📊 Results Chapter – numbers, percentages & layout

• No line should start with a numeral: Rewrite the sentence so that it begins with a word or phrase.
  Not: “78 farmers adopted the technology.”
  Better: “A total of 78 farmers adopted the technology.” or “About 78 farmers adopted...”
• Percentages:
  • Inside tables, figures and brackets — use the symbol: 78.5 %.
  • In running text — write as per cent (two words): “About 80 per cent of the respondents...”
• Table-first, text-after: Present the table/figure first, then explain the main pattern in the text. The text should not repeat every number; only highlight major trends.
• Consistent decimals: Use a fixed number of decimal places within a chapter (commonly one decimal place for percentages).
• Neutral, factual tone: Use phrases like “It was observed that...” / “The data in Table 4 reveal that...” instead of emotional or judgmental language.

⚖️ Results vs Discussion – clear separation of roles

Results chapter = What you found (evidence)

• Presents empirical findings using tables, charts and short descriptive text.
• Focus on “what” — means, frequencies, significant differences, rankings.
• Use past tense: “It was found that...”, “The mean knowledge score was...”
• Interpretation is brief and attached directly to each table.

Discussion chapter = Why it looks like this (meaning)

• Compares your results with previous studies: “Similar findings were reported by...”, “In contrast, Singh et al (2012) found...”
• Gives reasons for high/low values, trends or unexpected results.
• Highlights practical implications, policy suggestions and field-level meaning.
• Includes limitations and directions for future research.

Do not copy tables again in Discussion. Bring only the key result into Discussion and connect it with logic and literature.

✍️ Core Technical Writing Rules – tense, person, numbers & style

• Person & voice: Prefer third person and impersonal constructions, especially in Methods and Results.
  “Data were collected with the help of...” (preferred) rather than “I collected data...”
• Abbreviations: Expand the term the first time it appears — “Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)”, “National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)” — then use only the abbreviation.
• Numbers in text:
  • Write one to nine in words in running text (“four groups”), and 10 and above in digits (16 farmers), unless the number starts a sentence.
  • Always use digits with units (5 kg, 2 ha, 3.5 t/ha).
• Consistency in spelling: Use one variety of English (preferably British: behaviour, programme, labour) and follow it throughout.
• Headings spacing: Keep consistent space before and after headings (e.g. 12 pt before, 6 pt after) so the document looks even.
• Avoid: contractions (don’t, can’t), slang, WhatsApp-style abbreviations and very emotional or casual expressions.
• Tense by chapter:
  • Introduction & Review: mix of present (general truths) and past (specific studies).
  • Materials & Methods: past tense (“was conducted”, “were selected”).
  • Results: past tense.
  • Discussion & Conclusions: mix of past (your findings) and present (generalised statements).

📄 Title Page, Certificates & Acknowledgements – PAU style patterns

• Title page:
  • Title in ALL CAPS, often bold and centred.
  • Below it, fixed phrases: “Thesis / Dissertation submitted to the Punjab Agricultural University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of...”
  • Major subject, minor subject in brackets: “(Minor Subject: Agronomy)”.
  • Student name, admission number, department, college, university name & address, and year on the last line.
• Certificate I: certifies that the thesis is a bona fide record of research work by the student and has not been submitted for any other degree.
• Certificate II: certifies that the thesis has been approved by the Advisory/Examining Committee after oral examination, with signature lines for major advisor, external examiner, Head of Department and Dean PGS.
• Acknowledgements page:
  • Usually begins by thanking Almighty/God.
  • Thanks major advisor, advisory committee, Dean PGS nominee, faculty, staff, friends, respondents and family.
  • Often ends with a line similar to “All are not mentioned, but none is forgotten.”

📑 Tables, Figures & References – PAU formatting habits

• Tables:
  • Table number in Initial Caps (e.g. Table 1, Table 2) above the table.
  • Title immediately after the number: “Table 3. Socio-economic profile of respondents”.
  • Text in tables single spaced.
  • Minimal use of vertical lines; horizontal lines usually at top, headings and bottom.
  • Source or note line below table, if required.
• Figures:
  • Numbered as Fig. 1, Fig. 2 etc. or simply Figure 1, Figure 2.
  • Caption placed below the figure.
• References (PAU style):
  • Author–year system in text: “Singh (2019)”, “Kaur and Sharma (2018)”, “Sidhu et al (2015)”.
  • In reference list, arranged alphabetically by first author.
  • No comma between author name and year: “Singh RP 2014.” not “Singh, R.P., 2014.”
  • Journal names often abbreviated; volume and page numbers included.

📚 Length, Balance & Vita – practical expectations

• Typical chapter lengths (approximate):
  • Introduction: 6–10 pages.
  • Review of Literature: 15–25 pages (often the longest chapter).
  • Materials & Methods: 6–10 pages.
  • Results: 20–40 pages.
  • Discussion: 10–20 pages.
  • Summary / Conclusions: 2–4 pages.
• Total thesis length:
  • M.Sc.: usually around 50–90 pages (excluding appendices and vita).
  • Ph.D.: often 100–150+ pages depending on work.
• Summary vs Conclusions:
  • Summary: condensed narrative of what was done and what was found.
  • Conclusions: 5–10 precise, numbered statements capturing the essence of findings and their meaning.
• Vita: final page of thesis; includes personal background, academic record, research work and achievements, written in third person.

🧭 Layout & Consistency – small things that make a big difference

• Uniform paragraphing: Either use first-line indent or extra space between paragraphs — but stay consistent throughout the thesis.
• Blank lines around tables and headings: Leave a clear blank line before and after every table and major heading to avoid a crowded look.
• No footnotes: PAU theses generally avoid footnotes. If essential, use them sparingly; prefer explaining in text.
• Clean correction policy: Avoid overwriting or visible manual corrections; update the file and reprint instead.
• Uniform terminology: Use the same term for a concept throughout (e.g. “resource conservation technologies” everywhere, not mixing with “conservation technologies” / “R.C. technologies”).
• Chapter heading format: Follow one pattern, e.g. “CHAPTER – I” on top line, “INTRODUCTION” on the next, both centred and in capitals.

Part E

Ready-to-use PAU Templates (Times New Roman)

The following templates follow PAU structure and are meant as working formats. Replace placeholders with your own details and adjust spacing/indentation in your word processor.

Title Page – M.Sc. Thesis (Sample)

PROSPECTS AND PROBLEMS IN ADOPTION OF RESOURCE CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGIES IN PUNJAB

Thesis submitted to the
Punjab Agricultural University
in partial fulfilment of the requirements
for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
in
EXTENSION EDUCATION

by
STUDENT NAME
(Admission No. XXXX-XX-XX-XX)

Department of Extension Education
College of Agriculture
Punjab Agricultural University
Ludhiana – 141 004 (India)

20XX

Title Page – Ph.D. Dissertation (Sample)

PROSPECTS AND PROBLEMS IN ADOPTION AND ATTITUDE OF FARMERS REGARDING RESOURCE CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGIES IN PUNJAB

Dissertation submitted to the
Punjab Agricultural University
in partial fulfilment of the requirements
for the degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
in
EXTENSION EDUCATION
(Minor Subject: Agronomy)

by
STUDENT NAME
(Admission No. XXXX-XX-XX-XX)

Department of Extension Education
College of Agriculture
Punjab Agricultural University
Ludhiana – 141 004 (India)

20XX

Certificate I – Completion of Work

CERTIFICATE – I

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “[TITLE OF THE THESIS]” submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science / Doctor of Philosophy in the subject of [MAJOR SUBJECT] of the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, is a bona fide record of research work carried out by Mr./Ms. [STUDENT NAME] (Admission No. [XXXX-XX-XX-XX]) under my supervision and that no part of this thesis has been submitted for any other degree or diploma in any university.

The help and assistance received during the course of investigation have been duly acknowledged.

Place: Ludhiana Date: ____________

(Major Advisor) Name: ____________________ Designation: ______________ Department of _____________ Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana – 141 004

Certificate II – Approval of Thesis

CERTIFICATE – II

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “[TITLE OF THE THESIS]” submitted by Mr./Ms. [STUDENT NAME] (Admission No. [XXXX-XX-XX-XX]) to the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science / Doctor of Philosophy in the subject of [MAJOR SUBJECT], has been approved by the Thesis Advisory/Examining Committee after an oral examination on the same.

Advisory/Examining Committee 1. ____________________ (Major Advisor)    (Signature) ____________ 2. ____________________ (Member)        (Signature) ____________ 3. ____________________ (Member)        (Signature) ____________ 4. ____________________ (Member)        (Signature) ____________ 5. ____________________ (External Examiner)   (Signature) ____________

Head of the Department ___________________________ Dean, Postgraduate Studies Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana – 141 004

Acknowledgements – One-Page Sample

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

In this highly complex society, no work can be accomplished by a single individual; it needs the support, guidance and blessings of many people. I bow my head before the Almighty for His kind blessings and grace which enabled me to complete this piece of work.

I express my deep sense of gratitude to my Major Advisor, Dr/Prof. [NAME], Department of [DEPARTMENT], Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, for his/her valuable guidance, encouragement and constant supervision throughout the course of this investigation and preparation of this thesis.

I sincerely thank the members of my Advisory Committee, Dr/Prof. [NAME], Dr/Prof. [NAME] and Dr/Prof. [NAME] for their constructive suggestions and critical comments which greatly improved the quality of this work.

I am highly indebted to my parents and family members for their love, patience, moral support and blessings which have been a source of strength at every step of my life. I am also thankful to my friends and well-wishers for their encouragement and timely help during the course of this study.

I gratefully acknowledge the cooperation of all the respondents who spared their valuable time to provide the necessary information for this study.

All are not mentioned, but none is forgotten.

Place: Ludhiana Date: ____________

([STUDENT NAME])

Contents – Basic Pattern

CONTENTS

Chapter	Title	Page No.
I	INTRODUCTION	1–__
II	REVIEW OF LITERATURE	__–__
III	MATERIALS AND METHODS	__–__
IV	RESULTS	__–__
V	DISCUSSION	__–__
	SUMMARY / CONCLUSIONS	__–__
	REFERENCES	__–__
	APPENDIX / APPENDICES	__–__
	VITA	__–__

Part F

Submission, CDs, Soft Copy & Open Viva-Voce (PAU Requirements)

13. Draft submission and evaluation process

• After your seminar and once the Advisory Committee agrees on the quantum of work, you may start thesis writing.
• The draft thesis should be submitted to Dean PGS in advance with a certificate from the Advisory Committee that the draft has been checked.
• Thesis is sent to external examiner(s). After acceptance, the final oral examination (viva-voce) is arranged.

14. Open viva-voce for Ph.D. students

The final viva-voce examination:

• Is conducted jointly with the external expert, Head of Department and Advisory Committee members.
• Is open to other faculty members and postgraduate students of the department/college.

Practically, arrive early, ensure your presentation follows the thesis structure, and be ready to justify both your methodology and interpretation of results.

15. Two CDs after viva-voce – without research papers

PAU requires postgraduate students to submit two CDs along with the final bound copies of thesis/dissertation after the final oral examination.

• Each CD should contain only the thesis in PDF format.
• Do not include research papers (published, accepted or submitted) in these CDs.
• This is to avoid research papers accidentally becoming public when theses are uploaded to Krishi Kosh or the institutional repository.

16. Soft copy to M.S. Randhawa Library (PDF rules)

For the soft copy submitted to the University Library:

• Head of department must email the PDF thesis/dissertation directly to the University Librarian.
• PDF must be without any password protection.
• PDF must be an exact replica of the printed thesis — same order of pages, tables and figures. If a table appears on page 100 in the hard copy, it should appear on page 100 in the PDF as well.
• An undertaking signed by the student, major advisor, Head of Department and Dean PGS nominee is sent to Dean PGS along with the certificate of final oral examination.

Checklist before final submission:

• All margins, fonts and spacing are uniform across chapters.
• Results and Discussion appear as separate chapters.
• Each major section in the Review chapter and each chapter ends with a clear concluding paragraph.
• No sentence begins directly with a numeral; percentages are written correctly (symbol in tables/brackets, “per cent” in running text).
• All tables and figures are numbered, titled and cited in text in correct order.
• References are complete and consistently formatted in PAU style.
• CDs contain only thesis PDFs; soft copy sent to library matches the printed thesis exactly.